Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) has secured about €47 million (about K90 billion) from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand and improve water supply systems in Mzuzu City and surrounding areas.
However, the loan facility awaits EIB board approval, expected to meet in March this year.
NRWB Board Chairperson Frank Mwenifumbo said in an interview that the loan unlocks funding opportunities for the board towards sanitation initiatives if the project is completed in time.
Mwenifumbo disclosed that the board hosted a delegation from Brussels in camera, in Mzuzu, which expressed satisfaction on how the board is implementing its projects.
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“They are very happy with our previous projects to the extent that come March this year the board of directors will approve this amount. What it means is that the bank is investing about K147 million into different boards in Malawi and we are the beneficiaries as we will get €47 million,” Mwenefumbo said.
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He added that €22 million will be used to raise Lunyangwa Dam to improve its holding capacity from 21 million litres to 30 million litres per day while the other chunk will be used to promote use of clean energy to pump water.
Mzuzu City Mayor, Gift Desire Nyirenda, commended the government for initiating the loan facility, saying it will help increase the number of Mzuzu residents with access to potable water.
Nyirenda then said the council will provide all necessary support to the project for swift implementation.
“It is something to smile about, because the city is expanding and people will need water,” Nyirenda said.
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Meanwhile, NRWB has indicated that the Rumphi Water Supply Project will commence soon as currently they are engaging a consultant and designs for the same.
The project seeks to increase access to sustainable and climate resilient potable water supply to around 88,850 by 2027 in Rumphi Town and surrounding areas.
